Top 16 Canadian Astronaut Candidates Introduced (Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency
Longueuil, Quebec

March 16, 2009

Top 16 Astronaut Candidates Introduced

Toronto, Ontario -- Today, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Steve
MacLean introduced the Top 16 candidates who are participating in the
Agency's National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. This announcement provides
insight into the process of selecting the next two members of Canada's
Astronaut Corps.

This group was selected from over 5351 online and screened applicants to the
National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign, which was launched in May 2008.
Over the last several months, the CSA has interviewed candidates and put
them through a series of medical exams as well as physical and skills tests
in what were sometimes extreme conditions. They have also been tested for
their creativity, teamwork skills and physical fitness to determine their
ability to meet the demands of astronaut training and space flight.

The tests were developed and executed in collaboration with the 5th Area
Support Group Command, Saint-Jean Garrison, Department of National Defence
in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (January 2009); the Canadian Forces
Naval Engineering School, Damage Control Division in Halifax and Survival
Systems Training Limited in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (February 2009); and,
Defence Research Development Canada in Toronto, Ontario (March 2009). In
December 2008, tests were also conducted with Canadian Forces medical
clinics in Halifax, Bagotville, Ottawa, Downsview, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Cold
Lake, Esquimalt and Kandahar (Afghanistan).

"Canada is world leader in space exploration and space robotics. This
diverse and highly qualified field is a testament to the skill and
innovation of our citizens," said Industry Minister Tony Clement. "Our
Economic Action Plan is committed to building on Canada's legacy of
scientific and technological excellence. I congratulate all candidates who
have made it this far in the selection process. With the talent and drive
displayed by these fine candidates, the Canadian Astronaut Corps will be
well served for years to come."

"The Top 16 candidates in the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign
represent an incredibly accomplished, well-rounded and diverse group of
Canadians," said CSA President and former astronaut, Steve MacLean. "This is
only the third Astronaut Recruitment Campaign held in Canadian history. As
we proceed with our selection process, two of these highly talented
individuals will be chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime."

The following is an alphabetical list of the Top 16 candidates:

* Matthew Bamsey
* Desmond Brophy
* Christopher Denny
* Peter Giles
* Jeremy Hansen
* Allyson Hindle
* Ryan Hunter
* Jameel Janjua
* Joshua Kutryk
* Mark McCullins
* Stuart Rogerson
* David Saint-Jacques
* Geoffrey Steeves
* Kenneth Welch
* Keith Wilson
* Bruce Woodley

The remaining steps of the campaign include a series of interviews and
intensive medical exams to be completed over the next two months. The final
two candidates will be selected as the newest members of Canada's Astronaut
Corps in May 2009.

For more information about the National Astronaut Recruitment Campaign
[http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astrona...factsheet.asp], visit
the Canadian Space Agency Web site at www.asc-csa.gc.ca . Resources on the
site include biographies
[http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astrona...ographies.asp] and
photos of the Top 16 candidates, a campaign timeline and photos
[http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astrona...nt/images.asp] of the
candidates throughout the evaluation process.

About the Canadian Astronaut Corps

Canada's astronauts embody the spirit of the Canadian Space Program. Their
courage and commitment are a source of pride and inspiration to all
Canadians. As astronauts, their core function is to support, train and fly
on international space missions, and to use their unique experience to help
further scientific research and advance technology development. They also
play a key role in raising public awareness about Canada's achievements and
activities in space, while inspiring Canada's youth to explore the fields of
science and technology.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency coordinates all civil,
space-related policies and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The Agency directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts:
Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications,
and Space Awareness and Learning. By leveraging international cooperation,
the CSA generates world-class scientific research and industrial development
for the benefit of humanity.

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For more information:

CSA Media Relations Office
Canadian Space Agency
Tel.: 450-926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca